Many say Budokai 1 isn't worth playing, but surprisingly it surpasses even modern day DBZ -games in some elements.
Pros:
+Simplicity. Rather than having complex controls and failing to respond, the game is easy to play yet challenging and fun.
+Graphics. Great for its' time and great when compared to the rest in Budokai and Budokai Tenkaichi -games. Rather than having the ugly bold outlines this game got it right.
+Music. In DBZ games in general you commonly hear some techno-guitar -music with some potential but Budokai 1's soundtrack is great to listen even in itself.
+(Japanese) Voice-acting. Art to your ears.
+Story Mode. Best of the any DBZ -game I've played. Instead of some bold un-animated dialogue we get full cut-scenes from the series, in CG of course.
+Details and outlook. It's in harmony with the feeling and atmosphere of DBZ, and is "newbie" -friendly.
Cons:
-(Somewhat) Lack of content. Once you've achieved 100% (if you make it that far), you're done (unless dueling with a friend is possible).
-Loading times. Understandable when game was made in 2002, but it's still a little annoying with every second loading screen taking over a half a minute.
-Lack of some lip-sync and something etc.
Special praise: the people who have played more than one DBZ -games for home consoles may have noticed one annoying fact: lack of facial impression. Well guess. This game's got it. When Kuririn (Krillin) cheerfully congratulates himself over victory, he's actually smiling. I'm not kidding. Budokai 2, 3, Tenkaichi 1, 2 and 3, they all lack this feature. For what reason?
Overall, I don't see why this game doesn't have as good reputation as Budokai 3 for example. Sure it's primitive, but it's still an underrated masterpiece.
-Uberpeber